Job summary
Job post source
This job is directly from CalOptima
Job overview
The Buyer at CalOptima is responsible for procuring goods and services to support various departments, contributing to the organization's mission-driven culture and operational efficiency.
Responsibilities and impact
The Buyer processes purchase orders, researches vendors, manages contracts, follows up on orders, reconciles credit card and travel bills, supports the Purchasing team, and assists other departments with purchasing systems.
Compensation and benefits
The salary range is $58,205 to $90,217 annually with partial telework options; benefits include participation in CalPERS, low-cost medical/vision/dental insurance, paid time off, flexible scheduling, telework options, wellness programs, and retirement plans including 401(a) and 457(b).
Experience and skills
Requires a high school diploma or equivalent with at least 1 year of purchasing or business experience; a bachelor's degree in business administration or related field is preferred. Skills include vendor relationship management, independent judgment, communication, project management, and proficiency in Microsoft Office and purchasing systems.
Work environment and culture
CalOptima promotes a diverse and inclusive culture valuing dignity, respect, and collaboration, with a focus on employee belonging and community health.
Company information
CalOptima Health is the largest health plan in Orange County, serving one in four residents, known for its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and being recognized as one of the best places to work in the region.
Team overview
The Buyer will join the Procurement & Vendor Management department, working under general supervision and collaborating with team members to achieve departmental goals.
Job location and travel
Position offers partial telework within California, with work typically indoors and sedentary, located at CalOptima's facilities or remote work locations.
Application process
Applications are accepted continuously with a first review deadline of July 23, 2025, at 9:00 PM PST; the process may include skills assessment, phone screen, interview, background check, and pre-employment medical exam. Applicants should apply early via the CalOptima jobs website.
Unique job features
The role includes telework flexibility, involvement in a mission-driven public agency, and opportunities to support community health through procurement activities.
Company overview
CalOptima is a public agency in Orange County, California, providing health insurance programs for low-income residents, including Medi-Cal, OneCare, and PACE. Established in 1993, it serves over 800,000 members by partnering with local healthcare providers to offer comprehensive medical, dental, and mental health services. CalOptima generates revenue through government funding and reimbursements for managing these health programs. The organization is known for its commitment to improving healthcare access and quality for vulnerable populations in the region.
How to land this job
Position your resume to highlight your experience in procurement, vendor management, and purchase order processing, emphasizing your ability to work under general supervision and support program goals as described by CalOptima.
Focus on showcasing skills such as vendor research, contract review, purchase order systems (especially Dynamics GP Purchasing), and collaboration with cross-functional teams to align with the job's core responsibilities.
Apply through multiple platforms including CalOptima's official careers page and LinkedIn to maximize your application visibility and ensure you meet the early review deadline.
Connect with current employees in CalOptima's Procurement & Vendor Management department on LinkedIn; use ice breakers like commenting on the organization's mission-driven culture or asking for advice on succeeding in this buyer role.
Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description such as 'procurement policy,' 'purchase orders,' 'vendor management,' 'contract compliance,' and 'Dynamics GP Purchasing' to improve your chances of passing initial screenings.
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